My newborn was scratched by friends dog. did not bleed but it definitely broke the skin a lot. he has not had a tetanus vaccine he too young but i know the dog, no rabies. i did not have tdap vaccine while pregnant. risk of tetanus to baby??

Tetanus occurs when the spores/seeds of that germ enter the wound and create an infection just like it would for staph or strep. The growing tetanus germs create the chemicals that trigger tetanus symptoms. As long as you cleaned out the wound well enough that no infection gets started the kid will be fine. If anything looks worrisome see your doc.

Newborns have developing immune systems and the baby has not yet been vaccinated. If the wound is open and significant, consider a Tetanus vaccine. If it appears to be an abrasion on the surface without any blisters or pus, keep the area clean and dry and please follow up with your Pediatrician. Usually surface abrasions heal within one week to 10 days.